Help! I've inherited chickens.....

[ChickieMcGee]

Hi all, I manage a property & with the job I've been tasked with taking care of the chickens here. I've fallen in love with them over the past year but don't know much about chicken care. I did have a vet come & check them for general wellbeing. She said they were all in good shape with no mites or worms. They're 4 1/2 years old & we've lost 3 over the past year. Looks like another lady is going to leave us today. I'm not sure what breed she is...I've attached a photo that I took of her yesterday. Today she can't stand..she was trying to but just doesn't have the strength.
They've all being laying on average, 3 eggs weekly since Thanksgiving. They have a heat lamp in their (approx 30sf) coop for night time but free range in a fenced in area during the day. My question is, What is the average lifespan for this breed? Thanks in advance! Chickie

 

[sourland]

Good morning, and welcome to BYC. They have reached the age where death is not unlikely. Some birds die younger, and some live longer - much is dependent upon breed and strain. Not certain how long Brahmas generally live.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.
Where about do you live?
I don't think a heat lamp is necessary.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC.

Here are some helpful links:

• Great go-to resource - Articles
• Insightful feedback on how members manage their flocks - Topic of the Week back-catalogue

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[ChickieMcGee]

Thanks so much for your prompt answer. Good to know they're Brahmas..I can do some research now!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

I am going to move your thread to our Emergency section for more help. Something must get going through your flock and maybe the folks in our ER can help you. Good luck!

 

[ChickieMcGee]

Welcome to BYC.
Where about do you live?
I don't think a heat lamp is necessary.

We're on Eastern Long Island in NY. Temperatures are generally around freezing overnight this time of year.

 

[ChickieMcGee]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

I am going to move your thread to our Emergency section for more help. Something must get going through your flock and maybe the folks in our ER can help you. Good luck!

Thank you!

 

[TwoCrows]

This could possibly be Mereks disease.

@casportpony Kathy, could you take a look here?

 

[Wezdin]

We're on Eastern Long Island in NY. Temperatures are generally around freezing overnight this time of year.

Chickens will be fine without a heat lamp unless it gets ridiculously cold, there is no need to have one on them now. Has this hen been laying eggs at all? I cant tell from that picture but it looks like she might be egg bound.